Where to Learn Portuguese in Brazil

Portuguese is considered one of the most beautiful languages in the world, and is one of the most common Romance languages, sharing many similarities with Spanish and French. While originally a European language, Brazilian Portuguese has its own distinct flair and flavor, diversified even further by the vast population of Brazil and the various influences from the indigenous people and immigrants of the country.

You’re in good company if you’re wondering where to learn Portuguese in Brazil. After all, Portuguese is considered one of the easier languages to learn, especially if you already have a background in Spanish. But even if you don’t, the grammar and conjugations are simple, and the vocabulary is more straightforward.

So if you’re already interested in the language, making the choice to learn Portuguese in Brazil will definitely be the ideal path for you! Brazil as a country has so much to offer, ranging from the tropical regions of the north to the charming German towns of the south to the bustling tourist mecca of Rio de Janeiro. With the pandemic regulations loosening up all over the world, you won’t find a time better than now to learn Portuguese in Brazil.

Why learn Portuguese in Brazil?

Deciding to study Portuguese in Brazil is a good choice on many levels. When you learn at one of the many Portuguese language schools in Brazil, you’ll:

1. Learn colloquial usage from native and expert Portuguese speakers

You can read all the language books, attend many classes, and practice on language apps every day, but nothing beats truly learning about a language by immersing yourself and interacting with people who have been thinking and feeling in Portuguese every single day since they were born!

While educational course material will get you by, learning how Portuguese-speaking people interpret the more intangible nuances of language—like humor or expressing their feelings—will take your understanding of the language to a whole other level.

2. Understand the culture and history

Portuguese is a language that was brought to Brazil through early immigration and colonization. Therefore, learning Portuguese in Brazil will give you insight into how the language evolved in Brazil. For example, you’ll see what the locals in South America have prioritized over the locals in Europe.

You can also learn how the indigenous people have interpreted the language and the history behind how they adopted this European language. A lot of influential Portuguese pop culture also comes from Brazil, in terms of music and movies, so you’ll have a great opportunity to learn the historical and cultural influences behind them!

3. Give yourself an edge professionally and academically

Your second language skills might just help you land your dream job later on.

Having more than one language in your repertoire will be beneficial for you and your future employment chances or goals for further study. As the world continues to get smaller and more connected thanks to technology, being able to communicate in more than one language is becoming more and more preferred. Language skills are a great way to set yourself apart from your competition.

Another way to set yourself apart is having real-world experience living and perhaps working or studying in other countries, and Brazil is a great country to choose. It’s one of the largest economies in the world, with a large and young population.

Understandably, many influential businesses like Amazon and Meta are turning their sights toward Brazil. You can leverage your experience there to give yourself a leg up in the future.

4. Brazil is literally huge!

The sheer size of Brazil in terms of land mass and population will also allow you to explore the language in very diverse ways. The population of Portugal is about 10 million, while Brazil has over 213 million inhabitants. When it comes to land mass, Brazil is over 9,000% larger than Portugal.

This means, in terms of living your life in Portuguese, you will have a very diverse and varied experience in Brazil. From the bustling cities of São Paulo and Rio, the beach towns of Natal, the mountains of Caxias do Sul, all the way into and surrounding the Amazon, and so much more, Brazil has it all. There will always be something new to learn every day while you’re learning Portuguese in Brazil.

5 best places to learn Portuguese in Brazil

Deciding where to learn Portuguese in Brazil might seem like a challenge—there are so many great Portuguese language schools in Brazil in so many awesome places. Fortunately, the best place to learn Portuguese in Brazil comes down to personal preference, so you’re sure to find the perfect location to advance your studies.

1. Rio de Janeiro

Look forward to language immersion with a side of breathtaking views when you study Portuguese in Brazil.

Known as Cidade Maravilhosa, Rio is surrounded by the beautiful beaches of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, and mountain ranges dotted with tropical forests. Perched 700 meters above the top of Mount Corcovado, the iconic outstretched statue of Christ of Corcovado in Rio can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

During Carnival, the streets are filled with parties, dancing, and samba music, bringing Rio to a virtual standstill. Held around February each year, the Sambadromo is a particularly ideal place to view this event.

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its festive atmosphere, but it's also home to the headquarters of some of Brazil's largest national and multinational corporations. It is a cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of attractions, nightlife, and restaurants. Rio's laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and friendly cariocas make this city an unforgettable experience.

Recommended program: Learn Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2. Salvador

Salvador is a Brazilian city famous for its fascinating mix of Portuguese colonial architecture, tropical beaches, and Afro-Brazilian culture. Explore Salvador's main attractions, including the Church of Nosso Senor do Bonfim, the historic center, and the San Francisco Church and Convent.

Basica Lingua’s course in Salvador in particular allows you to stay with a Portuguese-speaking host family and experience the real Brazilian family culture. The program is located in the Barra district, close to the historic center of Salvador.

The location is full of restaurants and entertainment, just a 5-minute walk from the beach, and boasts various public transport options—ideal for independent learners who want to explore Salvador on their own.

Recommended program: Study Portuguese Language Online or in Salvador, Brazil

3. São Paulo

Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado, also known as FAAP, is one of the top universities in Brazil. It’s located in one of the most traditional districts of São Paulo, the fourth largest city in the world and the largest in South America.

The university provides courses in both English and Portuguese in Business, Fine Arts, Communication and Marketing, Law, Economics, International Relations, and more. This makes the school a great way to further your education while learning Portuguese either on or off campus!

Study sessions get a whole lot more fun when you hit the books here.

São Paulo is also the largest port for all foreign visitors with a total of 1,345,000 arrivals by air per year. In terms of business tourism and events, São Paulo is a very important door for Mercosur and provides a straight line to all main cities in the world.

Then there’s the entertainment and art: The city has 223 cinemas, 92 theaters, 11 cultural centers, 70 museums, and a dozen historical buildings, so there will always be something for you to do in São Paulo!

Recommended program: Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado-FAAP Undergraduate Program

4. Olinda

Over the past few years, Olinda has become much more renowned and is now regarded as a glamorous and exciting nightlife destination. The best Carnival in all of Brazil is held in Olinda. It is one of Brazil's colonial cities with the best colonial preservation and is part of the Recife metropolitan area.

Olina also serves as a location for international commercial and financial events, offering cafes and restaurants for various tastes and price ranges. Since the town is the most visited location in Pernambuco, you’ll find anything you need there, including internationally known fast-food restaurants.

The majority of Olindan people speak more than one language, so it won’t be too difficult to meet people who speak English or Spanish on top of Portuguese. Brazilian language training with a focus on Portuguese for non-native speakers is provided by the National Registration Center for Study Abroad in Olinda. All instructors are university-educated professionals with years of experience teaching native languages and have been trained in the school's hands-on method.

Students in Olinda have the option to volunteer, intern, or take part in the program for medical shadowing. Highlights of the program include learning Portuguese with qualified and knowledgeable native teachers, and of course, living in Olinda.

Recommended program: Learn Portuguese in Olinda, Brazil

5. Online

This may be a slightly unorthodox option, but do think twice about ruling out online learning despite being in Brazil in person. Continuing your Portuguese studies online will give you the flexibility to learn the language in your own way, especially if you’re not a fan of in-person, scheduled classes.

Given the sheer size of Brazil, taking online classes will give you the freedom to move around the country while keeping up with your learning, and at the same time practice what you learn in various places.

Recommended program: Online Portuguese Lessons

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Brazil has so much to offer to anyone and everyone, and it is definitely a country that will welcome you with open arms. The vibrance and diversity of this country will give you something new to learn every day and expose you to a way of life that you’d never be able to experience back home.

Put your Portuguese skills to practical use, and see for yourself how quickly you pick up the language and communicate with a diverse range of people. Set yourself apart from your competition in future employment opportunities, or just spend some time getting out of your comfort zone and into a lifestyle of meaningful self-improvement—whatever you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it in Brazil!